Does Insurance Cover Cars Stolen With Keys Inside?
Leaving your car keys in the ignition may seem like a bad idea, but does insurance cover cars that are stolen with keys in them? Generally, yes. However, there are a few exceptions.
Before you file a claim, first ensure that your vehicle is indeed missing. The claim process starts with a police report and a detailed description of the vehicle.
1. Call the Police
With car thefts increasing across the country and Colorado ranking #1 for per capita thefts, it's essential to take the necessary precautions to secure your vehicle and its contents. This includes locking your vehicle, setting up an alert and removing all keys and fobs from the vehicle when not driving. It's also recommended to store valuables in the vehicle or, better yet, take them completely from the vehicle. Even if you've taken precautions however, you could be the victim of an opportunity-based crime. If your vehicle is taken and you have the key inside follow these steps to notify the police and your insurance company.
When your vehicle is reported stolen, you must contact the police immediately to make an official theft report. The more information you are able to give the police about your vehicle, including its model and make, as well as the license plate number, VIN and identification features, the greater chance it will have of being returned to you. Inform the police if your vehicle has an GPS device.
Once you've filed a police report, call your insurance company to notify them of the theft. You should be able to do this by phone or online, based on the policies of your insurance provider. Give your policy number, the vehicle's model and make, as well as any identifying details (like large scratches or custom-designed add-ons) and the time and location of the loss. Inform your insurance company that you have other technological features on your vehicle, such as a GPS tracking system, that could help them locate it.
Be sure to provide the police and your insurance company the exact information, as any discrepancies can delay the process of your claim. Insurance companies may also use this information to decide whether or not to make a claim if you owe a lot of money. This is why it's best to not leave any personal documents or data in your vehicle, including credit cards, receipts and paycheck stubs. If you do decide to leave this information in your vehicle, make sure to inform your bank, credit card companies and other organizations of the theft so that they can stop any unauthorised charges and notify their security departments.
2. Contact Your Insurance Company
Car theft is on the rise. In fact thousands of cars are stolen with the owner's keys inside each year. It's not only a case of bad luck; you can do your part to prevent this from happening by putting additional deterrents in place between your vehicle and thieves.
Contact your insurance provider immediately after the theft. Your insurance company will provide you with a car rental while you wait for your car to be returned or reimburse you if it's not. They will be able to provide you with details of your policy and answer any questions. It's also important to file a police report with the name and number of the officer who investigated the incident, along with the time and date of the theft.
Include all pertinent information about your vehicle, such as the model and make of your vehicle, and an extensive description of the items stolen. Also, make sure to include the name and contact number of anyone who had access to the vehicle or any valuables in it. This will help police investigate and eliminate fraud attempts. It could be necessary to conduct a credit report as well. This is to ensure you don't carry a lot of debt that may create suspicions and make it difficult to secure an acceptable settlement for your car.
You can also obtain the name and contact number of the representative from your insurance company to assist you to navigate the claims process. You can reach them in a variety of ways, including by telephone or via chat online.
It could be a hassle to file a claim for car insurance with your insurer as well as the police, but it's important to do so as soon as you can. This will not only ensure that your vehicle receives the attention it needs and deserves, but it also helps you avoid being victimized by a scam or being denied coverage due to a simple mistake.
3. File a Claim
Your insurance company will want know the full details in the shortest time possible, so ensure that you have everything in order. This includes where your car was before and after it was stolen, any photos you may have, and contact details for anyone who had access to the vehicle. Your insurance company needs a detailed description of your car including any upgrades and options. Keep receipts.
You may be required to make two claims: an auto insurance claim for the car itself, and a homeowners or renters insurance claim for any personal items that were inside the vehicle. If you do have a comprehensive insurance policy your auto insurance policy should be able to cover the cost of replacing your property. The limits of your policy and your deductible will still apply.
Once your claim has been processed, your insurer will either pay the actual cash value of your vehicle when it's determined to be totaled, or pay the entire cost if your car is recovered and returned. Then you'll be accountable for the deductible if you choose to repair the vehicle, which is typically not feasible.
It could take up to up to 30 days for an insurer to settle a stolen vehicle claim. While you're waiting for the settlement, it may be difficult to get around, so check to see whether your policy covers rental reimbursement. The majority of policies do, but coverage can vary based on the provider and policy.
Inform the police immediately if not found. This will put your vehicle in the national and state databases which makes it more difficult for thieves to sell your vehicle later. You can also add an official police report to your automobile insurance policy by submitting it to your insurance company.
If you leave your keys in your car can result in a car being stolen It's therefore recommended to keep them in a secure location and lock your vehicle when it is not being used. You can also prevent theft by parking your vehicle in well-lit areas and keeping your key with you.
4. Recover Your Car
If you are certain that your car has been taken with keys inside, you should call the police to report the theft. This will add the details about your vehicle to state and federal databases, making it more difficult for thieves to steal. It is also recommended to get in touch with your insurance company as soon as you can to make a claim for a stolen vehicle.
If you have comprehensive insurance, the company will replace your stolen car minus depreciation. The insurer will assess the value of your vehicle by taking into account things like similar vehicles in your area, the mileage on your odometer and other factors. You'll still need to pay a $500 deduction.
Your insurance company will also repair any damage caused while your car was stolen even if the keys were still in the. If you have a tracker, it could assist the police in finding your car after it is recovered.
If your car has been stolen with your keys inside, you must respond immediately. In the event of delay, your claim to be denied or investigated as fraud. In certain cases you could be required to take an examination under oath in which you're questioned by a representative from your insurance company under the oath.
You may have to file an an additional claim for any items that were stolen from your car. Comprehensive auto insurance will protect your vehicle. These items will probably be covered by homeowners or renters insurance, based on where you kept them. If you have both your auto and homeowners insurance policies combined, you can file both claims simultaneously.
When you are not driving your vehicle, make sure you secure it by locking more info it and taking out the keys. If you have an extra key, store it in a safe place away from your vehicle. Never write your name or your address on your keys. Choose parking spaces that are well-lit and monitored, and as far as possible you can park off the street. Also, make sure that your vehicle is securely parked and visible, and is not blocking driveways or mailboxes.